Adventure Into Fear 19xx-xx-xx Program 020 - Mind Over Murder

Summary

Podcast Summary: Adventure Into Fear 19xx-xx-xx Program 020 - Mind Over Murder

Podcast Information

• Title: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Host/Author: Harold's Old Time Radio
• Description: Featuring radio shows from the Golden Age of Radio, this podcast transports listeners to a time before television when families gathered around the radio to enjoy iconic shows like The Shadow, Abbott & Costello, Amos & Andy, and Dragnet.
• Episode: Adventure Into Fear 19xx-xx-xx Program 020 - Mind Over Murder
• Release Date: May 9, 2025

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Introduction

Adventure Into Fear is a spine-tingling foray into the mysterious and uncanny, hosted by Maria Powell. In this episode, titled "Mind Over Murder," listeners are invited to delve into a psychological thriller that explores the depths of the human mind and the perils of mental manipulation.

Characters

• Maria Powell (Narrator/Host): Guides listeners through the story, setting the eerie and suspenseful tone.
• Ricardo: A self-proclaimed world’s greatest mind reader whose sinister intentions unfold throughout the episode.
• Ellen: Ricardo’s beautiful and devoted wife, who becomes entangled in his dark experiments.
• Carl: The gardener assisting Ricardo in his mental manipulations.
• Tom: Ellen’s lover, determined to free her from Ricardo’s control.
• Doctor Murray Powell: Provides postscript insights into the aftermath of the unfolding drama.

Plot Summary

Setting the Scene (00:11 - 02:22)

Maria Powell introduces listeners to the story, setting it on a scenic green lawn atop high cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. Here, Ricardo practices his mind-reading skills, assisted by his wife, Ellen, and the gardener, Carl, in preparation for the upcoming Verdeville tour.

Notable Quote:

Maria Powell (00:11): "Adventure Into Fear. Welcome to Adventure Into Fear. This is your host, Maria Powell, to take you on a personally conducted tour into the world... filled with strangeness and mystery."

Ricardo’s Demonstration (02:22 - 05:02)

Ricardo impressively reads Carl’s thoughts, identifying the book he selects without seeing it. Maria Powell expresses skepticism, but Ricardo asserts his mental prowess.

Notable Quote:

Ricardo (02:22): "Any book. Open it to a page, any page. Concentrate on the book... I'm getting impressions from your mind."

As the demonstration continues, Ricardo attempts a more complex mind-reading feat involving Ellen, leading to her fainting—a precursor to the manipulative control Ricardo exerts.

Ellen’s Struggle (05:02 - 08:48)

Tom, Ellen’s lover, confronts Ricardo’s influence over Ellen. Despite Tom’s efforts to persuade Ellen to flee, Ricardo’s manipulative power remains strong, creating tension and highlighting the depth of Ricardo’s control.

Notable Quote:

Tom (05:37): "He's been making you work with him in his act again, hasn't he?"

Ellen (08:38): "It seems so. So amused."

The Confrontation at the Inn (08:48 - 14:21)

Tom devises a plan to escape with Ellen, taking her to a secluded inn. However, Ricardo’s mind-reading abilities thwart their escape, leading to a dramatic confrontation. Ricardo attempts to coerce Tom into harming Ellen, showcasing his dark manipulation.

Notable Quote:

Ricardo (12:33): "It was I who told you to bring Ellen here. I put the entire thought into your head."

Tom (13:02): "You're lying, Ricardo."

Ricardo’s Fall and Paralysis (14:21 - 15:26)

A dramatic fall leaves Ricardo paralyzed, unable to move or speak, yet his formidable mind remains active. Ellen believes Ricardo’s influence over her persists, deepening the psychological conflict.

Notable Quote:

Ellen (15:26): "He knows that he'll never recover. But he wants to go home. I have to take him there. I will look after him."

Final Showdown and Resolution (16:18 - 23:18)

As Ricardo grapples with his paralyzed state, his mental dominance continues to pose a threat. Tom confronts Ricardo, leading to a climactic struggle where Ricardo attempts to compel Tom to murder Ellen. However, a pivotal mistake by Ricardo results in his inability to control Tom fully. The resolution sees Ricardo’s demise and Ellen’s liberation from his mental grasp, though uncertainties linger about the extent of Ricardo’s influence.

Notable Quotes:

Ricardo (19:14): "Now you're threatening me. That means you do believe my mind can speak to yours."

Maria Powell (15:18): "Now the great Ricardo returned home a living dead man. And there in the house on the cliffs..."

Tom (22:30): "He was so clever that he was too clever, even for himself."

Key Themes and Insights

1. Power of the Mind:

   • The episode delves into the concept of mental manipulation and control, showcasing how Ricardo’s supposed mind-reading abilities translate into real psychological dominance over others.

2. Trust and Betrayal:

   • Ellen’s struggle between her loyalty to Ricardo and her love for Tom highlights themes of trust, manipulation, and the complex nature of personal relationships under duress.

3. Isolation and Desperation:

   • The idyllic yet isolated setting on the cliffs serves as a perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama, emphasizing the characters' entrapment—both physical and psychological.

4. Good vs. Evil:

   • Ricardo embodies the archetype of the manipulative antagonist whose quest for power leads to his downfall, while Tom represents the hero striving to liberate Ellen.

5. Psychological Horror:

   • The episode masterfully blends suspense with psychological horror, keeping listeners engaged through twists and the tension of mind over matter.

Conclusion

"Mind Over Murder" stands out as a compelling episode of Adventure Into Fear, weaving a narrative rich in suspense, emotional depth, and psychological intrigue. Through Ricardo’s sinister manipulation and the ensuing battle for freedom, the story captivates listeners, leaving them questioning the true extent of the mind’s power. Maria Powell’s engaging narration and the well-crafted dialogue ensure that even those unfamiliar with the episode are thoroughly immersed in this thrilling adventure.

Final Notable Quote:

Maria Powell (23:18): "This is Murray Powell again. What became of Tom and Ellen? Well, Ellen's wound was serious, but far from fatal... And do join us again when we adventure into fear."

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This detailed summary captures the essence of the episode, highlighting key plot points, character dynamics, and overarching themes, while incorporating notable quotes with precise timestamps for an enriched understanding of the narrative.

Transcript

[Maria Powell]

Adventure Into Fear. Welcome to Adventure Into Fear. This is your host, Maria Powell, to take you on a personally conducted tour into the world. World of the strange, the mysterious, the uncanny and the unknown. Oh, do remember, none of these things you'll hear about could possibly happen to you. Or could they? And now to our story. I do hope that it will thrill you a little and chill you a little. So settle back, get a good grip on your nerves, and be comfortable if you can, as we prepare to venture into a world filled. Filled with strangeness and mystery. The world inside a human brain. It's a story I call Mind Over Murder. On a stretch of green lawn at the top of high cliffs overlooking the Atlantic Ocean, the great Ricardo, who claims to be the world's greatest mind reader, is practicing his art in preparation for the Verdeville tour he is soon to begin. He stands blindfolded, assisted by his lovely young wife, Ellen, and the gardener, Carl.

[Ricardo]

Carl, go pick a book out of the basket. Any book. Open it to a page, any page. Concentrate on the book. Think about the title and the appearance of the book. Think about the book. Yes, yes, I'm getting impressions from your mind. It's quite a good sized book. It's a book of short stories. The title is 4 and 20 bloodhounds, and the stories are mystery Stories. You're looking forward to reading it, Carl. Your mind is quite a quiver with anticipation.

[Maria Powell]

Well, I do kind of like mysteries, Mr. Ricardo, but, gosh, I don't know how you know the title. With your eyes blindfolded, my back to.

[Ricardo]

You, I read your thoughts with the eyes of my mind. Now I want to try something else. Ellen.

[Ellen]

Yes, Ricardo?

[Ricardo]

Sit in the wicker chair over here on my right. Turn your back to both me and Carl.

[Ellen]

You. You aren't going?

[Ricardo]

Please do not argue. Do as I say.

[Ellen]

But, Rick, I can't. Yesterday, my head ached for hours. Please don't make me.

[Ricardo]

It will come easier in time. Now, sit down.

[Ellen]

All right.

[Ricardo]

Make your mind free of all thoughts. I want you to look into Carl's mind and to read there what his eyes see on the page before him. Now, Carl.

[Maria Powell]

Yeah, Mr. Ricardo?

[Ricardo]

Open the book to the first page of a story. Concentrate on it.

[Maria Powell]

Yeah, yeah, yeah, sure thing.

[Ricardo]

Now, Ellen, read the page at which Carl is looking. I command you by the powers of the mind. Read.

[Ellen]

It says. No, I can't make it out. It's all blurred. Oh, my head.

[Maria Powell]

Gosh, she's fainted, Mr. Ricardo.

[Ricardo]

She'll revive in a moment. You can leave now.

[Maria Powell]

Yeah, okay, Mr. Ricardo.

[Ricardo]

Ellen. Ellen, My dear, wake up. I order you to wake up.

[Tom]

Oh.

[Ellen]

Oh, my head. It hurts.

[Ricardo]

Oh, it will quickly pass, and at no time you'll find the whole thing quite simple.

[Ellen]

Oh, Ricardo, I can't. I just can't help you when you act like that. When you try to make me read something in Carl's mind. I feel as if my. My brain were going to split.

[Ricardo]

You will help me, Ellen. You'll see. Now, I'm going to the house. You may sit here until your head feels better. And you will have company. I see my handsome young press agent coming this way. You must be nice to him, Ellen. He's really a very good press agent.

[Tom]

Oh, there you are, Ricardo. I was looking for you.

[Ricardo]

It's too bad your mind is one of the few I cannot read, Tom, or I would have known you wanted me. Was it about something special?

[Tom]

Advanced stories for the Boston papers. I thought you might like to read them before I mail them.

[Ricardo]

Excellent. I'm going up to the house now and I'll read them right away. Stay and keep Ellen company. I'll see you presently.

[Tom]

What's the matter, Alan? What's he been doing to you?

[Ellen]

Nothing, Tom. I just have a little headache.

[Tom]

He's been making you work with him in his act again, hasn't he?

[Ellen]

Please. I'm all right, really.

[Tom]

Alan, listen, you've got to leave Ricardo, do you hear? Leave him and divorce him.

[Ellen]

Oh, no, Tom, I can't.

[Tom]

You don't love him, do you?

[Maria Powell]

No.

[Ellen]

But, Tom. We mustn't talk about it, Alan.

[Tom]

Ellen, I love you, and I want to get you away from Ricardo. I'll kidnap you if necessary.

[Ellen]

Shh. Here he comes.

[Ricardo]

Ellen, my beautiful one. Is it Tom who has put that sparkle in your eyes and that flush in your cheeks?

[Ellen]

Why, of course not.

[Ricardo]

I would not like it if I thought so. I should be very angry if my beloved had eyes for anyone but me. But of course you haven't, have you?

[Ellen]

No, of course not.

[Ricardo]

For you love me devotedly, do you not?

[Ellen]

I love you devotedly.

[Ricardo]

You see, Tom, why, I dare leave Ellen alone with such a young and attractive man as yourself. I have perfect faith in her. So when we start our tour next week, you must travel with us. I will be quite busy, and I hope you will keep Ellen from being lonely. I'm sure the trip won't bore you. I expect it to be most interesting.

[Tom]

We've got two minutes. Are you all ready?

[Ellen]

Yes, I guess so, except for putting on my hat and coat.

[Tom]

But, Tom, I'm afraid there's Nothing to be afraid of. In two minutes, the train will stop. We'll get off. Ricardo's in the diner. He won't finish for a quarter of an hour. By then the train will be a long ways from Bridgeville.

[Ricardo]

It won't work.

[Ellen]

I just know it won't work, Tom.

[Tom]

Alan, get hold of yourself. Ricardo's just a man, not a devil.

[Ellen]

Sometimes I think he is a devil. I'm positive that he knows everything we're thinking. He's just playing with us. It seems so. So amused. Ever since the tour started, he almost seems to be deliberately throwing us together just to see what happens.

[Tom]

In a minute you'll be through with him forever. There's a bus for Chicago leaving five minutes after we get off. In Chicago, you'll stay with my mother until you can get a divorce. And then you're gonna marry me.

[Ellen]

Oh, Tom, I'm afraid and my head hurts so. He made me help him in the act again last night. Ever since, my head has felt queer. Ricardo.

[Ricardo]

Yes, my dear? I was worrying about your headache. I left my lunch to come see how you were.

[Ellen]

I'm. I'm a little better.

[Tom]

I've got work to do. I'm going back to my city.

[Ricardo]

No, wait, Tom. I would like to prove to you how devoted Ellen is to me.

[Tom]

I'm not interested.

[Ricardo]

Oh, but you are, Ellen, my love.

[Ellen]

Yes, Ricardo?

[Ricardo]

I am taking a revolver from my pocket. Point it at your heart, my dear, and pull the trigger.

[Ellen]

Yes, Richard.

[Tom]

Stop, Ellen. Stop. Whiting.

[Ricardo]

The gun was empty. But Ellen did not know that. Did you, dear?

[Ellen]

No, I didn't know it.

[Ricardo]

And so she was willing to die just because I asked her to. Such devotion is rare. It is the kind that lasts through all eternity, as ours will. For we shall always be together, Ellen and I, while we live. And after we die, nothing will ever separate us. Nothing.

[Maria Powell]

And so the great Ricardo's triumphal tour continues. Newspaper stories told of his amazing feats and of the feats almost as marvelous performed at his direction by his pale and very lovely wife. Twice, Tom urged Alan to flee with him, but both times Ricardo appeared upon the scene smiling, as though knowing every word that had been said. So at last, Tom changed his tactics, waiting until one evening when Ricardo was on the stage holding a great audience. Spellbound, Tom slipped backstage to the dressing rooms.

[Ellen]

You shouldn't be here, Tom, if Ricardo.

[Tom]

Never mind, Ricardo. Put on your coat.

[Ellen]

But the performance won't be over for half an hour.

[Tom]

Ellen. Ricardo's been playing with us for weeks. He hopes I'll Go for him so he can kill me? He's so jealous of you, it's affected his mind.

[Ellen]

I think that's true, Tom. But I can't leave him. And even if I could, he'd make me come back. I wouldn't be able to help myself.

[Tom]

That's nonsense. He can't do anything to you if he doesn't know where you are.

[Ellen]

He always knows. He can read it from my mind, even if I'm miles away from him.

[Ricardo]

I've got a plan that will fool him.

[Tom]

Will you trust me?

[Ellen]

But if he catches us, he might kill you.

[Tom]

This is one time he's not going to be clever enough. Just put on your coat and come along without asking any questions.

[Ellen]

But where are we, Tom?

[Tom]

In a minute we'll be at a small hotel I picked out of a newspaper ad. Ricardo can't read my mind, so he can't possibly know where we're going.

[Ellen]

Oh, Tom, I almost feel as if I really can escape from him.

[Tom]

You have escaped, darling. Here's where we stop.

[Ellen]

The Hillview Inn. Oh, Tom, what a quaint place. And what a lovely view over the hills.

[Tom]

Yeah, I found the ad in the paper. As I said, I've engaged a room for you and one for me. We stay here tonight, and tomorrow Ricardo will be in Buffalo. We'll be heading in the opposite direction.

[Ellen]

Tom, there's someone standing in the shadow beside the porch.

[Tom]

Probably the proprietor waiting for us. Is that you, Mr. Adams?

[Ricardo]

No, Tom. It is I. Ricardo. Yes, my beloved. I've been waiting for you. What took you so long?

[Tom]

How did you get here? How did you know we were coming here?

[Ricardo]

Why, Tom, it was I who told you to bring Ellen here. I put the entire thought into your head.

[Tom]

That's impossible.

[Ricardo]

I even suggested to you, mentally, of course, to look in the paper where you could find the advertisement for the delightful little inn. Belongs to a friend of mine. He phoned me as soon as you'd made the reservation.

[Tom]

I don't believe it.

[Ricardo]

Yes. After patient effort, I have succeeded in inserting my thoughts into your mind. It took a long time. That's why I wanted you to come on tour with me.

[Tom]

You're lying, Ricardo.

[Ricardo]

Oh, no, Tom. You see, I pride myself that no mind on earth is close to me. And yours was. Well, that was a challenge. Now I have overcome it. And there's something else I want to settle with you. Your undesired attentions to my wife.

[Tom]

Ellen isn't your wife anymore. She's left you for good.

[Ricardo]

Is that true, my dear?

[Ellen]

No, Ricardo, I love you.

[Tom]

I'm not impressed by your tricks, Ricardo. Eleanor's leaving here with me now. And what are you going to do about it?

[Ricardo]

Eleanor's not leaving. But you are. See that railing behind you? Beyond it is a 50 foot drop to a rocky ledge.

[Tom]

What of it?

[Ricardo]

In a moment you're going to fall accidentally over that railing and be killed. Now I'll show you a trick of Oriental wrestling which you may find confusing.

[Ellen]

Tom, look out. He's forcing him back to the railing.

[Tom]

Maybe I know some tricks, too. How do you like this one, Tom?

[Ellen]

He's going on with a railing and big kill.

[Maria Powell]

No, the great Ricardo, mind reader extraordinary, was not killed. For weeks afterwards, he hovered on the borderline between life and death. And then, as if pulling himself back to life by the sheer strength of his will, he slowly won his fight. But though he lived, his fall had paralyzed his body, leaving only his mind truly alive. He lay in bed, still breathing, but unable to move, to speak, or even to open his eyes.

[Tom]

So he's definitely going to live, Doctor?

[Ricardo]

Yes, there's no longer any doubt of it. It's almost a miracle.

[Maria Powell]

I thought that no man could survive such an injury.

[Ellen]

He deliberately refused to die. He kept saying to himself, I will not die. I will not die.

[Maria Powell]

You could hear him, but he's paralyzed.

[Tom]

He can't speak.

[Ellen]

I could hear him. I could hear his voice in my mind.

[Maria Powell]

Oh, I see.

[Ricardo]

Yes, he's going to live.

[Maria Powell]

But he will never move again, nor speak, nor see.

[Ellen]

Yes, he knows that.

[Ricardo]

I beg your pardon?

[Ellen]

He knows that he'll never recover. But he wants to go home. I have to take him there. I will look after him.

[Tom]

But Alan, you can't. You mustn't.

[Ellen]

I have to, Tom. Don't you see? I'm his prisoner again, the prisoner of his mind. And this time I'll never escape.

[Maria Powell]

So the great Ricardo returned home a living dead man. And there in the house on the cliffs, aided only by a nurse who relieved her at night. Ellen cared for him, and Tom stayed close by to help her in any way he could, and did his best to persuade her to turn Ricardo's care over to professional nurses.

[Tom]

Alan, listen to me. You can't ruin your life like this.

[Ellen]

Tom, my mind isn't my own. He controls it. Lying in his bed in that room there, never moving. Ricardo controls my mind.

[Tom]

Alan, I'm sure that's just a delusion. A psychiatrist could prove it to you. Ricardo is helpless, but his mind isn't.

[Ellen]

It's more powerful than ever. All his strength is concentrated in it. If it weren't for the power of his will, he would die. Tom, he's planning something.

[Tom]

Darling, what can a man in Ricardo's condition do?

[Ellen]

I don't know, but he has something on his mind.

[Tom]

Oh, Ellen, you're overwrought. You need sleep now. Why not take a sedative and go to bed, and in the morning we can talk again.

[Ellen]

I have to wait until the night nurse gets here.

[Tom]

I'll stay with him until then. You go on. Get to bed.

[Ellen]

All right, then. Tom, I. I do need rest. But you'd better wait in the room with him.

[Tom]

I will. I'll go in now. Good night, Alan.

[Ellen]

Good night, Tom.

[Tom]

There you are, the great Ricardo, a man who was better than anyone else in the world. And now you're a living dead man. I wish you were a dead man.

[Ricardo]

Then why don't you kill me tomorrow?

[Tom]

You can't be talking. You're paralyzed.

[Ricardo]

I can speak to you, Tom. I can speak with my mind, not with my voice.

[Tom]

I don't believe it.

[Ricardo]

You always were stubborn. Listen, just now you were trying to get Ellen to leave me, but she never will. Ellen and I are joined together for all eternity.

[Tom]

I'm gonna free her from you somehow. Do you hear, Ricardo?

[Ricardo]

Now you're threatening me. That means you do believe my mind can speak to yours.

[Tom]

Good.

[Ricardo]

We'll have many interesting conversations in the days to come. Good night, Tom. I'll see you tomorrow. You won't want to come, but you will. Ah, Tom. It's good of you to pay me another visit. I was hoping you would come today. In fact, I might say I was willing it and you came. My mind has established control over your mind. So why not sit quietly and see what I have to say?

[Tom]

All right. What is this information of yours?

[Ricardo]

I am dying.

[Tom]

You don't think that makes me sorry, do you?

[Ricardo]

The doctors do not know it, but my heart is weakening. If I relaxed my willpower for an instant, I would go out like a candle in the wind.

[Tom]

The sooner the better.

[Ricardo]

Perhaps so. I had great plans. But no matter. In your mind now. I read the thought, Ellen will be free. But you're wrong. Ellen is coming with me.

[Tom]

You devil. If I thought you could hurt Ellen, I'd kill you myself.

[Ricardo]

Now. No, Tom. You won't kill me. You're going to kill Ellen.

[Tom]

That's impossible.

[Ricardo]

There is a drawer in that table beside you. Open it. Open it now. With that gun, you're going to shoot Ellen. You'll be executed for it as A murderer. Thus, I will have my revenge. And because we shall die almost at the same instant, my soul and Ellen's will be forever joined. No.

[Tom]

You can't force me to hurt Alan. That's one thing you can't do.

[Ricardo]

Stand up. You see, my mind does control yours. Lying here helpless, I, the great Ricardo, have perfected a power no man before has ever attained. What I command, you must do.

[Tom]

I'll shoot you instead.

[Ricardo]

You see, you cannot even lift the gun. Now, listen to me. Behind that screen, across the room is a couch. There, Ellen lies asleep. At my orders, you will walk over there, point the gun at her forehead and pull the trigger.

[Tom]

You can't make me do that.

[Ricardo]

Walk, Tom. Keep on. Now, move the screen aside.

[Tom]

No.

[Ricardo]

Move the screen.

[Tom]

Ellen. Ellen.

[Ricardo]

She's dreaming of you, Tom. Now aim the gun, Will, and fire.

[Tom]

No. No. Ellen. Ellen, wake up.

[Ricardo]

Pull the trigger.

[Tom]

Ellen. Oh, Ellen.

[Ricardo]

Her mind has gone blank. I can no longer sense it. You have killed her, Tom.

[Tom]

No.

[Ricardo]

Ellen.

[Tom]

I tried not to do it. Ellen, speak to me.

[Ricardo]

She's dead. In a few moments, the police will be here. Before she fell asleep, I made Ellen phone them and tell them you'd threatened her.

[Tom]

I'll make sure that you died too. Ricardo.

[Ricardo]

That's not necessary. I'm going now of my own accord. I am relaxing my will and letting myself slip into the dark silence of death, where Ellen is waiting for me.

[Tom]

He's dead. He's dead.

[Ellen]

Tom. Tom.

[Tom]

Helen.

[Ellen]

Tom, what's happened? My head. Why does it feel so strange?

[Tom]

Helen, You. You're not dead. But I shot you. I. I thought I'd killed you, but I. I'd only wounded you. That's it.

[Maria Powell]

You.

[Tom]

You were unconscious. That's why he couldn't sense your mind.

[Ellen]

I don't understand, Tom. Where's Ricardo? I have the strangest feeling that he's gone. Somehow.

[Tom]

He is gone. I. I see it now. I thought I'd killed you. Because I thought so. He thought so too. But I was wrong. And because I was wrong, he was wrong.

[Ellen]

Don't understand it all, Tom.

[Tom]

It doesn't matter. It doesn't matter.

[Ellen]

Doctor. Doctor, come quickly.

[Tom]

We're free. Are then, Alan, what is it? We're free.

[Ellen]

It's Tom.

[Tom]

Free forever.

[Ellen]

It's Tom.

[Tom]

He made a mistake and let himself die. Now he can't.

[Ricardo]

I'm afraid I have to ask you to leave.

[Tom]

Ricardo was clever.

[Ricardo]

Bryant has a broken complaint.

[Tom]

He was so clever that he was too clever, even for himself.

[Ellen]

Sam.

[Maria Powell]

This is Murray Powell again. What became of Tom and Ellen? Well, Ellen's wound was serious, but far from fatal. Not nearly as fatal as Ricardo's mistake. Ellen is free at last. And Tom. Well, perhaps Ricardo did win after all. You know, when you're dealing with a mind like Ricardo's, you can never be quite, quite sure of anything, even though he is dead. Oh, well, goodbye for now. And do join us again when we adventure into fear.